> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.useyala.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rate Limits

> Yala API rate limits: request rate, burst, and monthly quota.

## Overview

The Yala API applies rate limits so that usage stays fair and stable for all customers. If you exceed the limits, you will receive HTTP `429 Too Many Requests` and should back off before retrying.

## Limits

| Limit type | Value                     | Description                                                           |
| ---------- | ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Rate**   | 5 requests per second     | Sustained request rate per second.                                    |
| **Quota**  | 10,000 requests per month | Total number of requests allowed per calendar month for your API key. |

<Note>
  Limits are applied per API key (and may be per tenant in production). Different environments (e.g. sandbox vs production) may have separate limits.
</Note>

## When you are rate limited

* The API responds with **HTTP 429** and a body that may include a `Retry-After` hint or a message about rate limiting.
* **Recommended behavior:** Use exponential backoff (e.g. 1s, 2s, 4s) and optional jitter before retrying. Do not retry immediately in a tight loop.

## Best practices

* **Throttle client-side:** Keep your request rate at or below 5 requests per second in normal operation.
* **Monitor quota:** Track your monthly request count so you stay under 10,000 requests per month, or contact [developers@useyala.com](mailto:developers@useyala.com) to discuss higher limits.
* **Cache when possible:** Use cached data (e.g. pairs, methods) where the API allows to reduce unnecessary calls.

<Tip>
  For high-volume or batch use cases, contact [developers@useyala.com](mailto:developers@useyala.com) to discuss custom rate limits or quotas.
</Tip>